Sen.Nass - E-Update
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April 9, 2020

Governor Forced to Confirm Churches and Religious Entities are Essential

 Local Public Health Officials and Law Enforcement May Not Make Up Own Rules 

After days of confusion caused by inappropriate interpretations coming from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, county health departments and local law enforcement, Governor Evers was forced to confirm that his Safer At Home Order does in fact classify churches and religious entities as essential services and organizations.

From Governor Evers’ statement (April 9, 2020) confirming what churches and religious entities are permitted to do under the public health order:

Under the governor’s order, churches and religious entities are considered essential.
Any gathering must include fewer than 10 people at a time if it occurs in a room or confined space.  Thus, churches and religious entities wishing to conduct services while still complying with the governor’s order may, for example, conduct services via: 
  • Parking lots with congregants staying in cars, avoiding person-to-person contact;
  • Streaming online; and
  • Having small gatherings (fewer than 10 people in each room) with multiple services.

It is also legal for citizens to travel to church services and gatherings at religious entities that comply with provisions listed above.

Finally, local public health departments and law enforcement are prohibited from developing their own rules or interpretations of the state orders.